Two Times the Charm (Clara and Emmett) novel Chapter 462

"Okay."

Rose led Aiden and Alex straight toward the living room.

It was only when they rounded the corner to the backyard that Clara dared to show herself.

"Mommy!"

Aiden, with his sharp eyes, spotted Clara immediately.

Alex, following suit, rushed towards her. "Mommy, I missed you so much! Why did it take you so long to come to find me?"

"There, my little one. Listen to Mommy, I've got some things I must take care of right now, but as soon as I'm done, I promise I'll come and get you!"

"But why, Mommy? Why can't we leave with you right now? I don't want to stay here anymore, and I don't want to see Leah again. She always tries to act like my mom, and I don't like her!"

"Sweetheart, you mustn't let on that you're unhappy, especially to her. It could bring trouble for your daddy, you see?"

Alex could not quite grasp these grown-up issues, but Aiden beside him seemed to have his suspicions.

"Is she blackmailing Daddy or threatening you, Mommy?"

Clara looked at Aiden, torn between pride and worry. How had she managed to raise such a clever child who could easily guess the truth?

But right now, the less they knew, the better.

"Aw, Mommy, you're leaving again?" Alex clung to her pant leg. "If you have to go, take me with you, please? I don't want chocolate, toys, Grandma, or Daddy. I don't want any of that. I just want to be with you!"

Hearing these words, Clara's eyes brimmed with tears, and she hugged Alex and Aiden tightly.

"Be good, my little ones. I made a promise to take you with me, and I will. But not just yet. You need to wait. If you believe in me, then wait for me."

Aiden nodded, feeling the pang of separation but understanding that his mother had her reasons.

But Alex did not care about reasons; he would have gladly smeared his runny nose all over Clara in his distress.

"I don't want to wait; I want you to take me with you now! I won't leave you, Mommy!"